Kaseya VSA vs Microsoft Configuration Manager comparison

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Kaseya VSA and Microsoft Configuration Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Patch Management solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Kaseya VSA vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"Kaseya VSA's best features are auditing and reporting.""The patch management and the remote support are very good, especially the remote support. There is a module built into the solution which allows remote control without necessarily interrupting the user. We could manage things in the background without them seeing or interacting with anything, which is a very useful feature.""VSA installs an agent on every computer that allows users to create a help desk ticket with one click. That's why I chose VSA. Many users never create tickets when they have a problem. Sometimes I won't know about an issue until they run into me and say, "Hey, this has been broken for two months."""Kesaya is highly configurable.""The most valuable features of the solution are its ability to offer control remotely to its users and provide patching capabilities to users.""The solution was scalable.""Provides efficient automation.""The product's support team is very quick to respond, especially because the tool's technical team operates in the same time zone where I am located."

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"It is easy to install, and quick to deploy.""What's valuable is the basic management of the systems, being able to control who can access the systems.""Automation of operating system, application, and update deployments massively reduces IT operations effort.""It lets you know what your infrastructure is like and what state you are in.""The solution doesn't require any maintenance from our end because it is a cloud-based solution and Microsoft takes care of everything.""The solution is stable.""There have to be made some improvement in WSUS and control in other non-Microsoft products updates.""Microsoft is being very competitive right now, and they are really investing in a lot of new features to be more competitive in the marketplace."

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Cons
"The technical support of the solution is an area with shortcomings that needs improvement.""The predefined reports are not up to the mark and you have to do a lot of customization.""The user interface is somewhat outdated.""Our main concern is related to security. Kaseya had a ransomware attack a few months ago, and it was a big concern for us because Kaseya was the main RMM tool that we were using. We faced a lot of difficulties accessing our users and systems. So, security is our main concern.""There is room for improvement in the remote control strengths.""The response to bugs is slow and software improvement comes slowly too. The lack of response to our feature requests made it feel like they were going into a black hole. Additionally, when we encountered bugs or issues with the VSA, they were slow to respond to those too.""The way it is laid out can be improved. If it could be a little more intuitive, it might be a little bit easier. Sometimes, it is hard to find features because they're called something weird, or they're in an interesting location that you wouldn't have thought that they'd be in.""I have been looking for a way to deploy patches via the internet to selected equipment from Kaseya VSA, but it seems impossible."

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"The ability to integrate MDM would be great.""The setup was complex and I faced a lot of problems initially because I was new to the solution.""Regarding this, I'd like to mention the agent situation. When the agent on an end-user device is not functioning correctly, it can be quite problematic. It would be highly beneficial if there were a self-healing mechanism in place. Essentially, if the agent becomes corrupted or encounters issues, it should be able to rectify itself autonomously. This is particularly critical because, in order to utilize a tool like MECM (assuming you're referring to Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager), we need to deploy agents, known as AsMs, on all the devices we use, such as Windows 10 or Windows Server. Sometimes, when we deploy configurations or updates, they don't apply properly due to agent issues. This issue has been present since we began using MECM around 23 years ago. Unfortunately, there is currently no built-in mechanism for the agent to detect its own problems and initiate self-repair. Microsoft doesn’t have any feature to scan vulnerabilities and hence, they could include those.""SCCM does not scale well, which is one of the reasons we are not going to continue to use it.""The solution should be more compatible with different versions of Linux.""The TSM component could be improved.""A lot of experience is needed in terms of troubleshooting, as this is one of the most difficult tasks in MECM. We were seven people in a group and I was the only one that had the patience to do the troubleshooting at times.""Cloud-based improvements need to be better managed."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The pricing is quite good and we are satisfied with it."
  • "I think it costs more than ManageEngine."
  • "The dollar exchange rate in Brazil is very high, so the price should be better for our country."
  • "It depends on what products you want. Kaseya loves packages, and if you are packaging, it is more affordable. If you're not packaging, it tends to be a little bit more expensive than others."
  • "It is not expensive. Anyone can afford it. Most of the time, we get a discount for licenses. We had about 5,000 agents, and we received a discount on the price. There is only the licensing cost. If you use the on-prem version, you also have the infrastructure cost."
  • "With the on-prem, you buy the agent license. That's a one-time fee, and it varies depending on how many you have. You also pay annual maintenance on the number that you have. So, there are two fees involved: a one-time fee and a recurring fee."
  • "We pay a monthly fee, but it's a three-year contract divided by 36. They don't offer a true SaaS plan where you can add licenses monthly as you go. The cost is $7 per person per month, and we are paying about $1,700 a month."
  • "We were looking at a price of $22.50 cents per user."
  • More Kaseya VSA Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Pricing and licensing are horrible. You have to not look at dollar value to use SCCM. It's super-duper expensive but it works. The acquisition cost is expensive, it's labor-intensive. But it works."
  • "Pricing and licensing are a downside of SCCM. It's expensive. I'd have to confirm this, but I think they changed the licensing to core-based instead of socket-based. It's not cheap, because you have to buy the software, you have to buy SQL. Another thing we learned from talking to Microsoft is that they provide you a license for SQL if you run it on the same box as the primary server. If you run it outside that box, you have to buy SQL. Microsoft does recommend you running it on the same box because of performance. But then, in order to run SQL, SCCM, and everything on the same box, you better have some resources. It's an expensive solution. There's no doubt about it."
  • "Overall, I think it's fine. It's pretty much in-line because there are ways to offset it with the Office 365 licensing."
  • "SCCM comes with its own version of SQL Server. If you use that SQL Server with SCCM and don't use it for another applications than you get an SQL Server for free."
  • "The licensing is good because they have various options, depending on what you are looking for."
  • "Pricing is negotiable with Microsoft, depending upon which of their packages you choose."
  • "When you compare this solution with other tools in the market you might actually find a lot of variation in the pricing and that's why people opt for the other tools rather than Microsoft tools."
  • "Its price is okay because it is part of our licensing."
  • More Microsoft Configuration Manager Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The most valuable feature of Kaseya VSA is the ability to control laptops remotely.
    Top Answer:The solution's automation capabilities are not very strong. Therefore, I am looking for another system. Kaseya VSA is not very strong for updating and monitoring. The solution should have more… more »
    Top Answer:Kaseya VSA is used for maintaining laptops, patching the systems, and securing the platform.
    Top Answer:Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager takes knowledge and research to properly configure. The length of time that the set up will take depends on the kind of technical architecture that your… more »
    Top Answer:ManageEngine Desktop Central is very easy to set up, is scalable, stable, and also has very good patch management. What I like most about ManageEngine is that I can log on to every PC very easily and… more »
    Top Answer:Microsoft Configuration Manager gives different tools in one solution.
    Ranking
    4th
    out of 49 in Patch Management
    Views
    3,154
    Comparisons
    1,371
    Reviews
    15
    Average Words per Review
    687
    Rating
    7.7
    1st
    out of 49 in Patch Management
    Views
    7,402
    Comparisons
    5,726
    Reviews
    28
    Average Words per Review
    455
    Rating
    8.5
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM )
    Learn More
    Overview

    Kaseya VSA (Virtual System Administrator) is a cloud-based IT management software that provides a comprehensive set of IT management tools for small and mid-sized businesses, including remote monitoring and management, help desk ticketing, patch management, and automated IT processes.

    VSA provides a centralized platform for IT administrators to manage and monitor multiple devices and endpoints, including desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. The software offers real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and reporting capabilities to help administrators quickly identify and resolve issues.

    VSA also includes a help desk ticketing system for managing and resolving IT support requests, as well as a patch management module for keeping systems up-to-date and secure. Additionally, the platform offers a range of automated IT processes, including software deployment and inventory management, to help administrators streamline their work and improve efficiency.

    Kaseya VSA Features

    Kaseya VSA has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Remote monitoring and management: Kaseya VSA enables administrators to remotely monitor and manage multiple devices and endpoints, including desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices.
    • Help desk ticketing: The solution provides a help desk ticketing system for managing and resolving IT support requests.
    • Patch management: This feature automates the patch management process, helping organizations keep their systems up-to-date and secure.
    • Automated IT processes: Kaseya VSA offers a range of automated IT processes, including software deployment and inventory management, to help administrators streamline their work and improve efficiency.
    • Reporting and analytics: Real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and reporting capabilities help administrators quickly identify and resolve issues.
    • Mobile device management: Administrators can manage and secure mobile devices, including iOS and Android devices.
    • Integration with third-party tools: Kaseya VSA integrates with a range of third-party tools and platforms, including Active Directory, Exchange, and others, to provide a comprehensive IT management solution.

    Kaseya VSA Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing Kaseya VSA. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Efficient: Because the solution successfully automates routine IT tasks and provides a centralized platform for IT management, organizations can streamline their IT operations and improve efficiency.
    • Security: Kaseya VSA has a range of security and compliance features, including endpoint security, data encryption, and reporting, so systems and data remain secure.
    • Resolve issues quickly: The solution’s real-time monitoring allows administrators to resolve issues before they spiral into bigger problems.
    • Cost-efficient: With its capability to automate routine IT tasks, organizations can reduce the need for manual labor and as a result save time and money.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Kaseya VSA is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it’s easy to use, has a good Live Connect feature, and its unified portal.

    A Team Lead at a tech services company explains what he finds most valuable about the solution: “The ease of access and ease of use was great. When Kaseya is deployed on the customer's computer, we have access to the customer. We just need the computer's name or ID, or sometimes, if the user has the same name as their first name, we can find them that way.”

    "The most valuable piece of the puzzle for me is what they call Live Connect. It is the piece that allows you to support an end-user without having to take the keyboard and mouse,” says another Automation Team Lead at a tech services company. 

    PeerSpot reviewer Allan E., Director Of IT / Purchasing Manager at Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board expresses, “One of the most appealing features is that it combines remote control, patch management, and software management into a single portal."

    Microsoft Configuration Manager helps IT manage PCs and servers, keeping software up-to-date, setting configuration and security policies, and monitoring system status while giving employees access to corporate applications on the devices that they choose. When Configuration Manager is integrated with Microsoft Intune, you can manage corporate-connected PCs and Macs along with cloud-based mobile devices running Windows, iOS, and Android, all from a single management console.

    New features of Configuration Manager, such as the support of Windows 10 in-place upgrade, co-management with Microsoft Intune, Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise Servicing Dashboard, integration with Windows Update for Business, and more make deploying and managing Windows easier than ever before.

    Sample Customers
    Sage UK, MSP, CodeBlue Ltd, Connect Work Place Solutions, All Covered, 501cTech, Chairo Christian School, Green Duck
    Bank Alfalah Ltd., Wªrth Handelsges.m.b.H, Dimension Data, Japan Business Systems, St. Lucie County Public Schools, MISC Berhad
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm30%
    Computer Software Company20%
    Comms Service Provider10%
    Recreational Facilities/Services Company10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company17%
    Construction Company6%
    Healthcare Company6%
    Manufacturing Company5%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company17%
    Manufacturing Company13%
    Financial Services Firm13%
    Insurance Company9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company12%
    Government11%
    Financial Services Firm11%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business76%
    Midsize Enterprise14%
    Large Enterprise10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business38%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise42%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business18%
    Midsize Enterprise13%
    Large Enterprise69%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business18%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise67%
    Buyer's Guide
    Kaseya VSA vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Kaseya VSA vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Kaseya VSA is ranked 4th in Patch Management with 29 reviews while Microsoft Configuration Manager is ranked 1st in Patch Management with 76 reviews. Kaseya VSA is rated 7.6, while Microsoft Configuration Manager is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Kaseya VSA writes "Single portal management, cost-saving, with thorough technical support". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Microsoft Configuration Manager writes "Seamless system updates, useful integration, and reliable". Kaseya VSA is most compared with ConnectWise Automate, NinjaOne, Microsoft Windows Server Update Services, Datto Remote Monitoring and Management and N-able N-central, whereas Microsoft Configuration Manager is most compared with Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, Microsoft Intune, BigFix and Zabbix. See our Kaseya VSA vs. Microsoft Configuration Manager report.

    See our list of best Patch Management vendors.

    We monitor all Patch Management reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.